The end could be nigh for Mrs Brown’s Boys the TV series – but the festive specials will continue (Picture: BBC)

If you’re one of those Mrs Brown’s Boys fans who’s been patiently waiting for the next series to arrive, we’ve got some bad news – you may not be getting one.

Yes, according to Shane Allen, the BBC’s controller of comedy, the show may well be confined to Christmas specials only from now on – due to its star Brendan O’Carroll’s increasingly busy schedule.

Speaking to trade paper Broadcast, Allen admitted it would be ‘hard to get another series’ of the hugely popular show – but that he had been speaking to O’Carroll about other projects, adding: ‘He wants to stay with the BBC.’

All of which is likely to disappoint fans – but may come as a relief to others given the show’s tendency to divide audiences with its particular brand of raucous comedy.

Still, at least those seeking their Mrs Brown fix will get their wishes granted this Christmas, with a new festive episode set to air at 10pm on BBC One on Christmas Day.

That will see the Irish mammy going taking on the second half of ITV’s festive Downton Abbey in the festive ratings war – although that may not necessarily be a problem for the show, which topped the ratings last Christmas Day, ahead of both Downton and Doctor Who.

A second festive episode is due to be shown on New Year’s Day, while two more Christmas specials are already being planned for 2015.

A sequel to Mrs Brown’s Boys D’Movie – which was a huge box office hit in the summer, even outgrossing Tom Cruise’s blockbuster Edge Of Tomorrow – is also a possibility.